Mexican Cypress

Cupressus lusitanica

Physical Characteristics

Cupressus lusitanica is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central America from Panama north through Mexico to the southern United States.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antifungal Antirheumatic Antitussive Astringent Cancer Deodorant Skin Styptic The bark is astringent[ 46 , 299 ]. The leaves are used to treat catarrh and headache, and are sometimes used in the treatment of cancer[ 299 ]. The vapour from a leaf decoction is inhaled several times a day for treatment of flu[ 299 ]. The leaf sap is applied topically to treat skin diseases[ 299 ]. The essential oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism, whooping cough and as a styptic[ 299 ]. The essential oil from the leaves and hexane leaf extracts has shown antifungal activity against skin pathogens, which supports the use against skin diseases[ 299 ]. A crude ethanol extract of the leaves has shown cytoxicity in a range of cancer cell lines, with cell death being due to apoptosis[ 332 ].

Known Hazards

None known